Hi all. I'm interested in a single stack 9mm and while I would love to have a 1911, finding a good one for CCW may be out of my price range ($700). What are some options out there that still offer a full sized grip and still have a good sight radius? I've shot the M&P Shield but
A) I can't find one and
B) it didn't really impress me as I thought it would.

What single stack models are out there? I plan to carry IWB so slimness is a must.

If you're looking for IWB carry, 9mm and single-stack, why don't you look at the SIG 938? It's certainly in your price range and would even fit in your pocket. If you like the 1911 manual of arms, you'll be right at home with this one.

__________________E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that.
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Although it's DA/SA and has a "backwards" slide-mounted safety, the S&W 39-series full-size single-stack pistols have ergonomics modeled after the M1911, and are approximately the same size as a Commander.

The full-size versions come in several basic flavors in 3 generations. The 1st-gen basically consists of the Model 39; the most common variant is the M39-2 ("thirty-nine dash two"), which has an improved extractor design and an alloy frame in blue or nickel finish. The 2nd-gen models added a trigger-actuated firing pin block for drop-safe DA/safety-off carry, and an optional RH-side decocker/safety lever. There were 3 models: the M439, basically an updated M39-2; the M539, which has a steel frame, but was unpopular and is quite uncommon; and the M639, which is all-stainless. The 3rd-gen models added several design refinements, the RH-side decocker/safety became standard, and the later-production pistols have improved sights. There are two models: the M3904, basically an updated M439, and the M3906, basically an updated M639. However, most late 1980s buyers wanted "hi-cap nines" and were not interested in these pistols, so they were dropped after only 3 years. They're somewhat hard to find.

If you want a 1911 type trigger or ergos, Kahrs make no sense. They have a long trigger pull, with a feel much like that of the trigger on a nicely broken in DA revolver. I have owned a couple Kahrs. (Edit: I had a PM9, which a friend bought from me because his wife wanted it for CCW, and have an MK9, though a buddy may buy that one... Kahrs are very accurate little pistols, but since I can conceal larger guns, I normally do.)

The Springfield EMP would be perfect, but new ones are out of the range you mentioned. You might find a used one; in the used market, an STI Shadow might be found. I suspect even the used EMP, Shadow, and Dan Wesson CCO prices will still be over $700.

Hey thanks for the input so far guys. I' really looking for something close in size to a Commander 1911. The Sig P938 resembles a 1911 as far as manual of arms, but its still a smallish gun. I would prefer something still mid to full size for the controlability under a stressful rapid fire situation.

I wasn't aware RIA made the compact tactical 1911. Does anyone have any experience on them, say 2000+ rounds?

The Sig P239 may be another consideration, although their web specs makes it seem a bit thick for a single stack. I'll have to look at one the next time I visit my LGS.

HK P7 PSP. You can still get the German surplus pistols for close to your price range if you look around. It is a single stack 9MM (8+1) with a very nice single action trigger. Very safe to carry, thin, a bit heavy but with a decent holster no problem. In fact I carry mine with a regular leather belt (not a stiff or heavy gun belt) on a cheap Uncle Mike's nylon holster designed for a small auto. It fits perfectly and works really great.

You may be able to find a used Colt New Agent for $700 ish. Probably a little better than the RIA in quality.

Also, I know you said single stack for the thinness, but you may want to consider the Ruger SR9c. Watch Hickok45's review of it. It's thinner than a Glock and AFAIK its the thinnest double stack on the market. It was designed to have ergos like a 1911.

If you're not set on 9mm, Ruger does have their Commander 1911 line out now. It may be a tad over your $700 limit though.

__________________
"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government." - Thomas Jefferson

Rock Island, Taurus, STI, to name a few. I know some will be all over me for posting Taurus, I have one, shoots great, accurate and in one weekend put 800+ rounds through it without issue or cleaning. Magazines from Taurus leave much to be desired.

__________________NRA Life Member, NRA Range Safety Officer, IDPA Safety Officer, USPSA NROI Range OfficerAs you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.

The Sig P239 may be another consideration, although their web specs makes it seem a bit thick for a single stack.

eastbank said...

Quote:

hunt up a S&W 3913 in 9mm, single stack mag in ss. i have had one for years and got it at a good price as the hi cap magazine craze was the in thing then.

FWIW in length and height, the SIG P239 more or less splits the difference between the full-size S&W 39-series (see my prior post) and the compact 3rd-gen M3913 and M3914.

The P239 and M3913/3914 offer 8+1rd capacity. With the original mags, the full-size single-stack S&Ws are also 8+1rd, but they will accept new flush-fitting 9rd mags.

The major advantage of the full-size Smiths is price: in my area, a slightly but visibly worn example will typically fetch $300-$350, vs. $375-$450 for a 39-series compact and $475-$550 for an equal P239.

None of the above are super-thin or particularly lightweight compared to many newer designs, but they're comparable to many traditional 1911's if you take the safety levers into account. YMMV.

__________________
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Last edited by carguychris; January 7, 2013 at 12:13 PM.
Reason: fixed error!

If you can't find a 1911 in 9mm in your budget range....then I think a Sig 239 in 9mm is the perfect choice.

I'm a big 1911 fan ...and own 1911's in 9mm, .40S&W and .45 acp ...and it is certainly my "go to" platform...and while I was skeptical of the Sig 239 .... I picked up one in 9mm and a 2nd one in .40S&W, over the last few years, --- both in DA/SA triggers - and they are both surprisingly easy to shoot even though I have pretty big hands.

With a good Kramer horsehide leather holster, IWB, the Sig 239 is a really easy gun to carry ....( and so is a 1911 in 4" or 5" )...

There are a few well made, sub compact 9x19mm pistols out there.
Springfield Armory sells the EMP models. Para USA has the Stealth line(LDA system & Ionshield surface). SIG Sauer has the popular P239 DAK in SASII.
This is a melded design that removes sharp-rough edges. The SIG P290 9mm is good too. It's hammer fired & DAK(DA only). The P290 has a small laser aimer add-on too. CT grips can be added to the P239 line.
Kahrs could work for IWB carry but I'd buy a SIG-Sauer first.

If you'd want to see a .45acp model sub compact, the Glock 36 may meet your concealed carry needs.
I like the .357sig over the .40 or 9x19mm for defense but there are a few good selections out there.

__________________Violence is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and valorous feeling which believes that nothing is worth violence is much worse. Those who have nothing for which they are willing to fight; nothing they care about more than their own personal safety; are miserable creatures who have no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of those better than themselves. Gary L. Griffiths, Chief Instructor, Advanced Force Tactics, Inc. (Paraphrasing John Stuart Mill)

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